Q1 10M 150w distinguish HDI and IHDI comparison
Distinguish between the Human Development Index (HDI) and the Inequality-adjusted Human Development Index (IHDI) with special reference to India. Why is the IHDI considered a better indicator of inclusive growth ? (Answer in 150 words)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
भारत के विशेष संदर्भ में मानव विकास सूचकांक (एच डी आई) तथा असमानता-समायोजित मानव विकास सूचकांक (आई एच डी आई) में भेद कीजिए। आई एच डी आई को समावेशी संवृद्धि का एक बेहतर सूचक क्यों समझा जाता है ? (उत्तर 150 शब्दों में दीजिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: GS3 Economy: Inclusive growth and development indicators. compare: paired headings or point-wise contrast > key differences > significance > conclusion Full marks: Clear distinction with current India data and a precise argument on why IHDI captures inclusive growth.
- HDI: average achievement in health, education and income (life expectancy, schooling, GNI per capita)
- IHDI: HDI discounted for inequality within each dimension
- India's values: HDI 0.685 (rank 130 of 193, HDR 2025) with about 30.7% lost to inequality
- Why IHDI captures inclusive growth: distribution, not just averages
Q2 10M 150w what Protectionism and bilateralism challenges
What are the challenges before the Indian economy when the world is moving away from free trade and multilateralism to protectionism and bilateralism ? How can these challenges be met ? (Answer in 150 words)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
भारतीय अर्थव्यवस्था के समक्ष वे कौन-सी चुनौतियाँ हैं जब विश्व स्वतंत्र व्यापार तथा बहुपक्षीयता से दूर होकर संरक्षणवाद तथा द्विपक्षीयता की ओर बढ़ रहा है। इन चुनौतियों का सामना किस तरह किया जा सकता है ? (उत्तर 150 शब्दों में दीजिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: GS3 Economy: Trade policy and globalisation. challenges: 3-4 challenges > solutions mapped to them > conclusion Full marks: Precise challenges mapped to specific, implementable measures with current data.
- 3-4 specific challenges (tariffs on exports, trade diversion, supply-chain shifts, weakened WTO dispute settlement)
- Specific response mapped to each challenge
- Responses that are implementable (FTAs, PLI, logistics, WTO diplomacy, market diversification)
- Context: the shift from multilateralism to bilateral and plurilateral deals
Q3 10M 150w explain High value crop selection factors
Explain the factors influencing the decision of the farmers on the selection of high value crops in India. (Answer in 150 words)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
भारत में किसानों द्वारा उच्च मूल्य वाली फसलों के चयन के निर्णय को प्रभावित करने वाले कारकों की व्याख्या कीजिए। (उत्तर 150 शब्दों में दीजिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: GS3 Agriculture: Cropping patterns and farmer decisions. explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close Full marks: 4-5 distinct factors with specific Indian examples and schemes and clear logic.
- Define high-value crops with examples (fruits, vegetables, spices, flowers, dairy-fodder)
- Market demand and price signals, including price volatility
- Water, soil and agro-climatic suitability
- Capital, credit, infrastructure (cold chain, processing) and government support
Q4 10M 150w elaborate Agricultural supply chain management
Elaborate the scope and significance of supply chain management of agricultural commodities in India. (Answer in 150 words)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
भारत में कृषि वस्तुओं की आपूर्ति श्रृंखला प्रबंधन के क्षेत्र तथा महत्व की विस्तार से व्याख्या कीजिए। (उत्तर 150 शब्दों में दीजिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: GS3 Agriculture: Marketing and supply chain. explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close Full marks: Clear scope from input to retail, specific bottlenecks with data, and strong significance analysis.
- Scope: inputs, production, aggregation, storage, processing, transport, marketing, retail and export
- Key bottlenecks: storage, cold chain, transport, intermediaries, fragmentation
- Significance: cutting post-harvest losses and price spreads
- Links to farmer income, food security and exports
Q5 10M 150w mention Fusion energy and ITER project
The fusion energy programme in India has steadily evolved over the past few decades. Mention India's contributions to the international fusion energy project – International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER). What will be the implications of the success of this project for the future of global energy ? (Answer in 150 words)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
भारत में संलयन ऊर्जा कार्यक्रम का पिछले कुछ दशकों में निरंतर क्रमिक-विकास हुआ है। अंतर्राष्ट्रीय संलयन ऊर्जा परियोजना – अंतर्राष्ट्रीय तापनाभिकीय प्रायोगिक रिएक्टर (आई टी ई आर) में भारत के योगदान का उल्लेख कीजिए। वैश्विक ऊर्जा के भविष्य के लिए इस परियोजना की सफलता के क्या निहितार्थ होंगे ? (उत्तर 150 शब्दों में दीजिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: GS3 Technology: why it matters, use, benefit, risk, policy. explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close Full marks: Precise details on India's 9% share/TF coil + clear link to climate goals.
- India as one of the seven ITER members (joined 2005), with about 9% in-kind share through ITER-India/IPR
- Specific contributions: cryostat, in-wall shielding, cooling water system, cryolines and cryo-distribution, RF heating power sources
- Implication: near-limitless, low-carbon baseload power from abundant fuel
- Implication: climate and energy-security benefits, with realistic timelines
Q6 10M 150w how Energy independence and biotechnology
How can India achieve energy independence through clean technology by 2047 ? How can biotechnology can play a crucial role in this endeavour ? (Answer in 150 words)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
भारत, वर्ष 2047 तक स्वच्छ प्रौद्योगिकी के माध्यम से ऊर्जा स्वतंत्रता कैसे प्राप्त कर सकता है ? जैव-प्रौद्योगिकी इस प्रयास में किस प्रकार महत्वपूर्ण भूमिका निभा सकती है ? (उत्तर 150 शब्दों में दीजिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: GS3 Technology & Environment. explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close Full marks: Links specific biotech (algae/ethanol) to 2047 grid/transport targets.
- Renewables at scale with storage and grid upgrades (500 GW non-fossil by 2030)
- Green hydrogen and electrification of transport and industry
- Biotechnology: biofuels (1G/2G ethanol, biodiesel, compressed biogas) replacing imported fuel
- Policy framework (National Policy on Biofuels, SATAT, Green Hydrogen Mission)
Q7 10M 150w what Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage
What is Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS) ? What is the potential role of CCUS in tackling climate change ? (Answer in 150 words)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
कार्बन अवशोषण (कैप्चर), उपयोग तथा भंडारण (सी सी यू एस) से क्या आशय है ? जलवायु परिवर्तन से निपटने में सी सी यू एस की संभावित भूमिका क्या है ? (उत्तर 150 शब्दों में दीजिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Environment: threat, causes, impact, mitigation. explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close Full marks: Clear definition, detailed explanation of processes, and specific examples of CCUS role in climate change.
- Define CCUS: capture, transport, utilisation or geological storage of CO2
- Explain capture methods and storage/utilisation options
- Role: decarbonising hard-to-abate sectors (cement, steel, fertiliser, power)
- Role in negative emissions (BECCS, DAC) and net-zero pathways, with limits (cost, energy penalty, storage risk)
Q8 10M 150w what Seawater intrusion in coastal aquifers
Seawater intrusion in the coastal aquifers is a major concern in India. What are the causes of seawater intrusion and the remedial measures to combat this hazard ? (Answer in 150 words)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
भारत में तटीय जलभृत में समुद्री जल घुसपैठ एक मुख्य चिंता का विषय है। समुद्री जल घुसपैठ के क्या कारण हैं तथा ऐसी आपदा का सामना करने के उपचारात्मक उपाय क्या हैं ? (उत्तर 150 शब्दों में दीजिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Environment: threat, causes, impact, mitigation. explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close Full marks: Precise technical causes (over-pumping, sea-level rise) and specific, implementable remedial measures (barriers, MAR).
- Over-extraction of groundwater lowering the freshwater head as the primary cause
- Natural and climate factors: sea-level rise, reduced river flows, storm surges, tidal creeks
- Recharge-based measures: managed aquifer recharge, rainwater harvesting, check dams
- Barrier and regulation measures: subsurface dykes, tidal regulators, injection wells, pumping regulation
Q9 10M 150w elaborate Terrorism in India and counter measures
Terrorism is a global scourge. How has it manifested in India ? Elaborate with contemporary examples. What are the counter measures adopted by the State ? Explain. (Answer in 150 words)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
आतंकवाद एक वैश्विक महाविपत्ति है। यह भारत में किस रूप में प्रकट हुआ है ? समसामयिक उदाहरणों से व्याख्या कीजिए। राज्य द्वारा कौन-से जवाबी उपाय अपनाए गए हैं ? समझाइए। (उत्तर 150 शब्दों में दीजिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Security: classify threat, vulnerability, response; stay calm. explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close Full marks: Balanced analysis of threat and response with specific legal/institutional examples.
- Forms of terrorism in India (cross-border, LWE, North-East insurgency, radicalisation and lone actors)
- Contemporary examples (e.g., Pulwama 2019, Pahalgam 2025)
- Legal counter-measures (UAPA amendments 2019, NIA Act amendments, PMLA; BNS Section 113 on terrorist acts)
- Institutional and operational measures (NIA, MAC, NATGRID, surgical strikes, Operation Sindoor 2025)
Q10 10M 150w explain Left Wing Extremism and government measures
The Government of India recently stated that Left Wing Extremism (LWE) will be eliminated by 2026. What do you understand by LWE and how are the people affected by it ? What measures have been taken by the government to eliminate LWE ? (Answer in 150 words)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
भारत सरकार ने हाल ही में घोषणा की है कि वामपंथी उग्रवाद (एल डब्ल्यू ई) 2026 तक समाप्त कर दिया जाएगा। आप एल डब्ल्यू ई से क्या समझते हैं तथा जनता इससे किस प्रकार प्रभावित है ? एल डब्ल्यू ई को समाप्त करने के लिए सरकार ने क्या उपाय किए हैं ? (उत्तर 150 शब्दों में दीजिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Security: classify threat, vulnerability, response; stay calm. explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close Full marks: Precise definition, clear impact analysis, specific legal and developmental measures cited.
- Define LWE (Maoist/Naxalite armed insurgency seeking to overthrow the State)
- Impact on people: violence, extortion, displacement, denial of schools, roads and health services
- Security measures: SAMADHAN strategy, CAPF deployment, intelligence-led operations, surrender and rehabilitation policy, ban on CPI (Maoist) under UAPA
- Developmental measures: road and mobile connectivity, EMRS, banking, Aspirational Districts, FRA rights
Q11 15M 250w explain Fiscal Health Index for states
Explain how the Fiscal Health Index (FHI) can be used as a tool for assessing the fiscal performance of states in India. In what way would it encourage the states to adopt prudent and sustainable fiscal policies ? (Answer in 250 words)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
समझाइए कि किस प्रकार राजकोषीय स्वास्थ्य सूचकांक (एफ एच आई) भारत में राज्यों के राजकोषीय प्रदर्शन के आकलन के उपकरण के रूप में प्रयोग किया जा सकता है। किस प्रकार यह राज्यों को विवेकपूर्ण तथा संपोषणीय राजकोषीय नीतियों को अपनाने के लिए प्रोत्साहित करेगा ? (उत्तर 250 शब्दों में दीजिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Economy: carry live data, draw the simple diagram. explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close Full marks: Clear FHI definition, specific parameters, strong policy link, and a current example.
- Define FHI as a composite index (NITI Aayog, first released January 2025)
- Its five sub-indices: quality of expenditure, revenue mobilisation, fiscal prudence, debt index, debt sustainability
- How it assesses and ranks States (benchmarking, categories)
- How it encourages prudence: transparency, market signals, peer pressure, competitive federalism; limits
Q12 15M 250w discuss Production Linked Incentive scheme
Discuss the rationale of the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme. What are its achievements ? In what way can the functioning and outcomes of the scheme be improved ? (Answer in 250 words)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
उत्पादन संबद्ध प्रोत्साहन (पी एल आई) योजना के तर्कधार की विवेचना कीजिए। इसकी क्या उपलब्धियाँ हैं ? किस प्रकार इस योजना की कार्य-पद्धति तथा परिणामों में सुधार किया जा सकता है ? (उत्तर 250 शब्दों में दीजिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Situation > Analysis > Measures > Assessment. discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close Full marks: Precise rationale, sector-specific achievements, and implementable improvements
- Rationale: scale, import substitution, global value chains, exports, jobs (Atmanirbhar Bharat)
- Achievements with data: investment, sales, exports, jobs; sector examples (mobile phones, pharma APIs)
- Weaknesses: uneven sector performance, slow disbursement, low domestic value addition, limited MSME gains
- Specific, implementable improvements
Q13 15M 250w examine Groundwater depletion factors and mitigation
Examine the factors responsible for depleting groundwater in India. What are the steps taken by the government to mitigate such depletion of groundwater ? (Answer in 250 words)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
भारत में घटते भूजल के लिए उत्तरदायी कारकों का परीक्षण कीजिए। भूजल में ऐसी क्षीणता को कम करने के लिए सरकार ने क्या कदम उठाए हैं ? (उत्तर 250 शब्दों में दीजिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Situation > Analysis > Measures: legal, institutional, developmental > Assessment. examine: intro > how/why with reasoning > evidence > conclusion Full marks: Detailed analysis of causes and specific, named government interventions with critical evaluation.
- Agricultural over-extraction (irrigation share about 87–90%, water-intensive crops, flood irrigation)
- Enabling factors: free or flat-rate farm power, unregulated tubewells, weak property-rights regime
- Natural and urban factors: hard-rock aquifers, erratic monsoon, sealed urban surfaces, industrial demand
- Government measures: CGWA regulation, Atal Bhujal Yojana, NAQUIM, Jal Shakti Abhiyan, PMKSY micro-irrigation; gaps
Q14 15M 250w examine Food processing industries scope and employment
Examine the scope of the food processing industries in India. Elaborate the measures taken by the government in the food processing industries for generating employment opportunities. (Answer in 250 words)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
भारत में खाद्य प्रसंस्करण उद्योगों के विस्तार का परीक्षण कीजिए। खाद्य प्रसंस्करण उद्योगों में रोजगार अवसरों को सृजित करने हेतु, सरकार द्वारा किए गए उपायों का विस्तार से उल्लेख कीजिए। (उत्तर 250 शब्दों में दीजिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Situation > Analysis > Measures: legal, institutional, developmental > Assessment. examine: intro > how/why with reasoning > evidence > conclusion Full marks: Detailed scope with specific schemes and clear employment linkages.
- Scope: large raw-material base but low processing levels; value addition and waste reduction
- Scope: exports, import substitution, rural industrialisation
- Measures: PMFME, PLISFPI, PM Kisan SAMPADA Yojana (cold chain, food parks, agro-processing clusters)
- Employment linkages: micro-enterprises, women and SHGs, FPOs; constraints
Q15 15M 250w explain Nanotechnology in agriculture
How does nanotechnology offer significant advancements in the field of agriculture ? How can this technology help to uplift the socio-economic status of farmers ? (Answer in 250 words)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
नैनो-प्रौद्योगिकी कृषि के क्षेत्र में महत्वपूर्ण उन्नति कैसे प्रदान करती है ? यह प्रौद्योगिकी कैसे किसानों की सामाजिक-आर्थिक स्थिति के उत्थान में सहायक हो सकती है ? (उत्तर 250 शब्दों में दीजिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Situation > Analysis > Measures > Assessment. explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close Full marks: Detailed explanation of specific nanotech applications with clear socio-economic linkages.
- Define nanotechnology (1–100 nm) in the agricultural context
- Nano-fertilisers (nano-urea, nano-DAP) and controlled release
- Nano-pesticides, nano-sensors and nano-encapsulation for targeted delivery and monitoring
- Link to farmer income (lower input cost, yields, lower losses) and limits (evidence, safety, cost)
Q16 15M 250w mention Semiconductor manufacturing and India Semiconductor Mission
India aims to become a semiconductor manufacturing hub. What are the challenges faced by the semiconductor industry in India ? Mention the salient features of the India Semiconductor Mission. (Answer in 250 words)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
भारत ने एक सेमीकंडक्टर विनिर्माण केन्द्र बनने का लक्ष्य रखा है। भारत में सेमीकंडक्टर उद्योग के सामने क्या चुनौतियाँ हैं ? भारत सेमीकंडक्टर मिशन की प्रमुख विशेषताओं का उल्लेख कीजिए। (उत्तर 250 शब्दों में दीजिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Situation > Analysis > Measures: legal, institutional, developmental > Assessment. challenges: 3-4 challenges > solutions mapped to them > conclusion Full marks: Identifies specific challenges with mapped solutions and detailed ISM features with financial specifics.
- 3-4 specific challenges (high capex and long gestation, missing supply ecosystem, talent, utilities, technology access)
- Responses mapped to the challenges
- Salient features of ISM: Semicon India Programme (₹76,000 crore), 50% fiscal support for fabs, display fabs, ATMP/OSAT, compound semiconductors
- Design-Linked Incentive scheme, talent and R&D components, State partnerships
Q17 15M 250w explain Mining environmental hazards and remedial measures
Mineral resources are fundamental to the country's economy and these are exploited by mining. Why is mining considered an environmental hazard ? Explain the remedial measures required to reduce the environmental hazard due to mining. (Answer in 250 words)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
खनिज संसाधन देश की अर्थव्यवस्था के लिए आधारभूत हैं तथा इनका खनन द्वारा शोषण होता है। खनन को पर्यावरणीय आपदा क्यों समझा जाता है ? खनन द्वारा पैदा होने वाली पर्यावरणीय आपदा को कम करने हेतु आवश्यक उपचारात्मक उपायों की व्याख्या कीजिए। (उत्तर 250 शब्दों में दीजिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Situation > Analysis > Measures: legal, institutional, developmental > Assessment. explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close Full marks: Precise hazards with mechanisms; specific, implementable legal and technical measures.
- Hazards to land: deforestation, topsoil loss, overburden dumps, subsidence, mine fires
- Hazards to water and air: acid mine drainage, heavy metals, water-table decline, dust and PM
- Legal and institutional measures (EIA, Forest Conservation, MMDR Act, DMF, mine closure plans)
- Technical measures (progressive reclamation, dust suppression, effluent treatment, backfilling)
Q18 15M 250w review India's climate commitments and NDC updates
Write a review on India's climate commitments under the Paris Agreement (2015) and mention how these have been further strengthened in COP26 (2021). In this direction, how has the first Nationally Determined Contribution intended by India been updated in 2022 ? (Answer in 250 words)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
पेरिस समझौता (2015) के अंतर्गत, भारत की जलवायु वचनबद्धताओं पर समीक्षा लिखिए तथा बताइए कि उन्हें किस प्रकार कोप26 (2021) में और अधिक दृढ़ता प्रदान की गई है। इस दिशा में, किस प्रकार पहली बार भारत द्वारा प्रस्तावित राष्ट्रीय स्तर पर निर्धारित योगदान को 2022 में अद्यतन किया गया है ? (उत्तर 250 शब्दों में दीजिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Situation > Analysis > Measures > Assessment. examine: intro > how/why with reasoning > evidence > conclusion Full marks: Precise targets for 2015, 2021, and 2022 with clear distinction between intensity and absolute reduction.
- Paris 2015: 33–35% cut in emission intensity of GDP by 2030 (2005 base)
- Paris 2015: 40% non-fossil power capacity by 2030 and 2.5–3 GtCO2e additional carbon sink
- COP26 Panchamrit: 500 GW non-fossil capacity, 50% of energy requirement from renewables, 1 billion tonne reduction, 45% intensity cut, net zero by 2070
- 2022 updated NDC: 45% intensity reduction, 50% non-fossil capacity, LiFE; sink target retained
Q19 15M 250w analyse North-East internal security and peace accords
What are the major challenges to internal security and peace process in the North-Eastern States ? Map the various peace accords and agreements initiated by the government in the past decade. (Answer in 250 words)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
उत्तर-पूर्वी राज्यों में आन्तरिक सुरक्षा एवं शांति प्रक्रिया में कौन-सी प्रमुख चुनौतियाँ हैं ? विगत एक दशक में सरकार द्वारा किए गए विभिन्न सहमति-पत्रों तथा शांति समझौतों के रूप में ली गई पहलों का खाका खींचिए। (उत्तर 250 शब्दों में दीजिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Security: classify threat, vulnerability, response; stay calm. challenges: 3-4 challenges > solutions mapped to them > conclusion Full marks: Precisely classifies NE-specific threats and maps 3+ accords with years and groups
- Challenges: ethnic conflict and competing homeland claims (e.g., Manipur since 2023), insurgency
- Cross-border factors: Myanmar instability, porous borders, FMR, arms and drug trafficking
- Map accords with years and groups: Naga Framework (2015), Bru-Reang and Bodo (2020), Karbi Anglong (2021), Assam–Meghalaya border (2022), DNLA and ULFA (2023), UNLF (2023), NLFT–ATTF (2024)
- Link accords to the challenges they address and gaps in implementation
Q20 15M 250w discuss Maritime security and coastal challenges
Why is maritime security vital to protect India's sea trade ? Discuss maritime and coastal security challenges and the way forward. (Answer in 250 words)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
भारत के समुद्री व्यापार के संरक्षण के लिए समुद्री सुरक्षा क्यों अत्यावश्यक है ? समुद्री तथा तटीय सुरक्षा की चुनौतियों तथा आगे बढ़ने के मार्ग पर चर्चा कीजिए । (उत्तर 250 शब्दों में दीजिए)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Security: classify threat, vulnerability, response; stay calm. discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close Full marks: Precise economic linkage, specific threat classification, and implementable institutional measures.
- Link to trade and energy: about 90% of trade by volume and most crude imports by sea; chokepoints
- Traditional and strategic threats: Chinese naval presence, dual-use ports, submarines
- Non-traditional threats: piracy, maritime terrorism, smuggling, IUU fishing, Red Sea attacks on shipping
- Coastal vulnerabilities and measures: domain awareness, coordination, capacity, cooperation